Guide to Sending Parcels to Belgium

Belgium may be a small country, but it is the centre for NATO, the European Parliament, and many international organisations.

And though the Belge are an industrial and industrious people, they have given the world much pleasure: the comic strip Tin-Tin, internationally recognised chocolate, award winning Trappist beers, waffles, and moules et frites slathered in mayo.

In 2019, Belgians were expected to purchase $11 billion USD worth of goods and services via e-commerce, and that's growing at 7% annually. With 76% of its population using the internet and 23% of its companies engaged in e-commerce (versus a 14% average for the EU), Belgium is booming for business.

Sources for this page came from the Belgium Government, the Belgian Customs & Excise, the European Commission - Taxation and Customs Union, as well as several other government websites.

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Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Belgium through a variety of carriers using Secureship

Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Belgium. Whether you are an everyday shopper or a business, you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.

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IconEasy Tracking Information

Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Belgium


IconDisclaimer

While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is important to consult a licensed broker in Belgium before shipping any goods.

Full tracking information for parcels to Belgium is available with Secureship
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Nov 13, 2024
8:49 am
Leuven, LE, BE
Delivered
Nov 12, 2024
7:18 am
Bruges, BR, BE
In transit
Nov 11, 2024
9:03 pm
Ghent, GH, BE
International Clearance
Nov 11, 2024
8:14 am
Antwerp, AN, BE
In transit
Nov 11, 2024
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Nov 10, 2024
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan

IconTypes of Shipments

Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.

Documents Only

Shipping documents from Canada to Belgium is duty and tax free if they have no commercial value.

Examples of items often shipped as documents include:

  • Bids for contracts
  • Diplomas
  • Examination papers
  • Newspapers (only for non-commercial purposes)
  • Passports

Some documents have limitations or criteria in order to qualify as documents only. They are described in the table below.

Document Type Restriction
Airline tickets Must be validated
Annual reports Must only be shipped to shareholders or company officials
Blueprints Must have no commercial value and are for intercompany use or as a bid invitation (for example, architectural plans for an EU contract)
Brochures Must be for intercompany use or for non-commercial purposes
Business cards A maximum of 15 business cards allowed
Cheques Only personalised cheques allowed
Credit cards Must be personalised
Gift cards Up to 5 allowed if they have an assigned specific value and are to be used to purchase food and merchandise of a specific retailer or business
Greeting Cards and Invitations

Only considered documents if personalised

Non-personalised invitations and greeting cards require an invoice

Manuals (Technical) Only the appropriate number of manuals is allowed
Negatives

Only negatives, slides or print films being sent to a press or publishing agency are allowed

If the items have had value added through press or editorial charges, they then require an invoice

Newsletters

Considered documents if they are intercompany shipments for intercompany use

NOTE: Shipments from a publisher or printing company are non-documents

Newspapers Must be for non-commercial purposes
Stationery Must be personalised and an appropriate amount for non-commercial use
Traveller's Cheques Only allowed if personalised

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US

Shipping Gifts

Gifts shipped to Belgium from Canada incur no duties or taxes if the parcel has a value of less than €45 (about $67 CDN).

Above this value, import duties, VAT and excise duties, if applicable, will be charged.

Shipments from Individual-to-Individual

In order for a gift shipment from Canada to be duty and tax free, certain conditions apply.

Conditions

  • The words "Gift Shipment" or "Unsolicited Gift" are included on the commercial invoice (see sample)
  • It must be from one private individual to another private individual
  • The gift's receiver must live in Belgium
  • The gifts are for the personal use of the receiver or his/her family
  • No payment of any kind is made to the sender
  • The shipment has a value no greater than €45 (about $67 CDN)
  • The quantity or nature of the goods do not suggest any commercial intent

Quantity Restrictions

Gifts of coffee, tea, tobacco products, perfumes and alcohol have quantity restrictions as follows:

  • 500 g of coffee and 200 g of coffee extract
  • 100 g of tea and 40 g of tea extract
  • 50 cigarettes or 25 cigarillos (maximum of 3 g per cigarillo) or 10 cigars or 50 g rolling tobacco (or a proportional amount of these items)
  • 50 g of perfume or 250 mL of eau de toilette
  • 2 L of still wine; and one of
    • 1 L of distilled spirits with an alcohol content of 22% or less (for e.g. sake, aperitifs, sparkling wines)
    • 1 L of distilled spirits with an alcohol content of 22% or more (for e.g. whiskeys, liqueurs); or a proportional amount of the two

Shipments from Business-to-business

Unfortunately, no information could be found at the time of writting.

Shipments From a Business-to-Individual

If a business in Canada sends a gift valued at less than €22 (about $33 CDN) to an individual in Belgium, no duties, VAT or excise taxes will be incurred.

The table below shows the duties and VAT charges incurred for a shipment in 3 different price categories.

Parcel Value Duties & Taxes
€22 or Less
(about $33 CDN)
No duties
No VAT
Greater than €22 but
Less than €150
(about $225 CDN)
No duties
VAT charged (21%)
Excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco
and perfumes charged
Greater than €150
(about $225 CDN)
Import duties apply
VAT charged (21%)
Excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco
and perfumes charged

*Rates vary depending on the type of good. See here for details. Some examples of how to calculate import duties.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Mgr. Georges Lemaî tre
Catholic University of Louvain
Place de l'Université 1
1348 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve
Belgium


Phone: +31 10 47 21 11
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge


Sending Multiple Gifts to Belgium

You may send multiple gifts in one shipment duty and tax free if their total value is less than €45 (about $67 CDN).

If the shipment is valued over €45 (about $67 CDN) AND has gifts each valued at less than €45, THEN:

You may add individual gift values up to €45 and be exempt from duty and taxes. The remainder of the shipment's value will incur taxes and duties.

For example, you send a parcel with 3 gifts with values of €15, €25 and €35. You will be allowed an exemption of €40 (€15 gift + €25 gift), but will be required to pay duties on the €35 gift.

Be sure to:

  • Words "Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package" appear in General Description of Goods as well as the Detailed description of goods (see sample)
  • Individually wrap each gift separately and supply a greeting card
  • Ensure the names on each tag are different and clearly marked on the commercial invoice


Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Mgr. Georges Lemaî tre
Catholic University of Louvain
Place de l'Université 1
1348 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve
Belgium


Phone: +31 10 47 21 11
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $39.99
1 Each Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket

CA $49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Sources:
https://financienpr.belgium.be/sites/default/files/Customs/FR/Colis/PDF/2017-05-19-tableau-quantites.pdf
https://finances.belgium.be/fr/douanes_accises/particuliers/colis/faq#q8
https://finances.belgium.be/fr/douanes_accises/particuliers/colis/faq#q9
https://infoshopping.be/fr/faq-customer/les-prix-et-les-taxes#taxes

Shipping Personal Effects

It is easy to ship your personal effects to Belgium from Canada.

By following the rules established by the European Union, you will be able to bring your goods into Belgium without paying duties and taxes.

Moving Temporarily

DISCLAIMER: No information was found regarding students & non-student shipping personal effects to Spain. However, since Spain is part of the EU, rules should be similar to other EU countries, such as Germany. Therefore, personal effects should be exempt from duties and taxes.

Moving Permanently

If you are moving to Belgium from Canada permanently, you may bring your personal effects without paying duties and taxes by following a few rules.

You must ensure that your personal effects:

  • have been in your possession for at least 6 months
  • have been used by you in your residence in Canada for at least 6 months
  • are intended to be used by you in your new residence in Belgium
Conditions
  • You have lived outside of the EU for at least 12 consecutive months
  • Your goods are to arrive in Belgium within 12 months of establishing your residence in Belgium
  • For a period of 1 year from living in Belgium, you are not to lend, rent or transfer your personal effects to anyone
Personal Effects Checklist

The following documents must be submitted to Customs officials in one of 3 languages: French, Dutch, or German, depending on the area of Belgium you are shipping your personal effects to.

  • 5 copies and the original of the inventory list of your household goods; the list is to be dated and signed, and all electrical devices are to be listed with serial numbers
  • Paperwork proving that your residence has been outside of Belgium for at least 12 months
  • Copy of passport
  • Original Air Waybill or Bill of Lading

Sources:
https://financien.belgium.be/nl/douane_accijnzen/particulieren/verhuizen
https://www.belgium.be/fr/logement/demenagement/vers_la_belgique/biens_personnels
https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/services/travel_to_belgium/studying_in_belgium
https://dofi.ibz.be/sites/dvzoe/EN/Application-guides/Pages/Higher_education_or_preparatory_year.aspx

Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects

Ship To Invoice
Mgr. Georges Lemaî tre
Catholic University of Louvain
Place de l'Université 1
1348 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve
Belgium


Phone: +31 10 47 21 11
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
5 Pairs Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes

IN $40.00
1 Each Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket

CA $478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsFood, Chocolate, Candies

Shipping foodstuffs from Canada to Belgium may be done within the quantity restrictions listed below.

You May Ship

  • Infant food: Maximum of 2 kg
  • Food for medical purposes: Maximum of 2 kg
  • Frog legs: Maximum of 2 kg
  • Fish products: Maximum of 20 kg
  • Insects, eggs, live molluscs and snails to a maximum of 2 kg
  • Caviar: Maximum of 125 g
  • Olives stuffed with fish
  • Honey (without any honeycomb): Maximum of 2 kg
  • Chocolate, confectionary and baked goods in reasonable quantities

*These conditions apply: The foods are a commercial, shelf-stable product in an unopened container labelled with a registered trademark.

Do Not Ship

  • Potatoes
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat and milk, and products made from them
  • Live lobsters and crabs

Sources:
https://finances.belgium.be/fr/douanes_accises/particuliers/voyager/des-marchandises-%C3%A9trang%C3%A8res-import%C3%A9es-vers-la-belgique-0

Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies

Ship To Invoice
Mgr. Georges Lemaî tre
Catholic University of Louvain
Place de l'Université 1
1348 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve
Belgium


Phone: +31 10 47 21 11
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsSamples

The purpose of sending samples is to encourage orders of the product.

Product samples of low value may be shipped from Canada to Belgium duty and tax free providing they are marked or mutilated.

Samples with commercial value require a security to be paid. It will be in the amount of the duty and tax plus 10%.

Advertising Material Checklist
  • Only a single item of each sample is sent
  • Samples may stay in Belgium for a maximum of 1 year
  • Samples are mutilated, perforated or marked with indelible ink
  • A sample may not be sold, used for a commercial purpose, except to demonstrate its function, or utilised in any way for monetary purposes
  • A security is required in the amount of the duty and tax charge, plus an additional 10%
  • The Commercial Invoice states "Mutilated Samples / Not for Resale"

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegsPrint?loc=en_US&origcountry=CA&destcountry=BE&cat=004&PrintRegulations=PrintRegulations
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
https://import-export.societegenerale.fr/fr/fiche-pays/belgique/reglementations-douanes

Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample

Ship To Invoice
Mgr. Georges Lemaî tre
Catholic University of Louvain
Place de l'Université 1
1348 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve
Belgium


Phone: +31 10 47 21 11
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsAdvertising Material

Advertising material includes items that are handed out to promote products or services.

They can be shipped to Belgium from Canada duty and tax free if they are of negligible value.

Advertising items include:

  • Catalogues
  • Price lists
  • Advertising posters
  • Calendars
  • Photographs
  • Films

In order to qualify for duty and tax free exemption:

  • Write 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' on the commercial invoice in the general description of goods
  • Items are of negligible value

Sources:
https://legacarta.intracen.org/instrument/768627-international-convention-facilitate-importation-commercial-samples-advertising-materials/

Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material

Ship To Invoice
Mgr. Georges Lemaî tre
Catholic University of Louvain
Place de l'Université 1
1348 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve
Belgium


Phone: +31 10 47 21 11
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.

CA $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsRepairs

As a member of the European Union, Belgium allows products to be repaired without duties and taxes being charged under the inward processing rules of the EU.

Inward processing means goods from outside the EU brought into the EU to have work done on them, such as repairs.

Items Under Warranty

As Belgium and Canada are participants in a free-trade agreement (CETA), repairs under warranty returning to Canada from Belgium are duty-free and will not be charged GST

Items No Longer Under Warranty

If a piece of equipment no longer under warranty was sent to Belgium for repair and is returning to Canada, GST will be charged on the value of the repair and any new parts needed to do the repair.

Sending Product for Repair to Belgium

When sending product for repair to Belgium, include the following information on the parcel:

  • Write 'REPAIR & RETURN' on the commercial invoice under General Description or Remarks (see sample)
  • Indicate the Serial/Product number under the Detailed Description of Goods section on the commercial invoice
  • Include a copy of the Repair Contract with all your export documentation

Returning Product After Repairs are Completed

If your product has been repaired in Canada and is returning to Belgium, ensure to do the following:

  • Write 'REPAIR & RETURN' on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section (see sample)
  • Indicate the value of the product INCLUDING the cost of the repair under the Detailed Description of Goods section
  • Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Belgium

Be sure to write the necessary information on the commercial invoice according to the document checklist below.

Repair Checklist
  • Commercial Invoice must clearly state 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return (see sample)
  • Include repair contract with shipment
  • Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section

Sources:
https://finance.belgium.be/sites/default/files/Customs/EN/PDF/Ondernemingen/Fiche12_Authorisation-for-inward-processing_ENG.pdf
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/inward-processing_en
https://www.zoll.de/EN/Businesses/Movement-of-goods/Import/Procedures/Inward-processing/inward-processing_node.html
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d8/d8-2-10-eng.html

Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair

Ship To Invoice
Mgr. Georges Lemaî tre
Catholic University of Louvain
Place de l'Université 1
1348 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve
Belgium


Phone: +31 10 47 21 11
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00

US $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Temporary Imports / Exports for shipments to the NetherlandsTemporary Imports

Belgium allows for the temporary importation of goods without paying duties or taxes for a period of no more than 24 months.

Under certain circumstances, customs authorities may allow an extension beyond 24 months, but this will require justification.

Be sure to indicate the return date of the goods on the commercial invoice.

Goods that are often part of a temporary import include:

  • Materials and goods to be used for entertainment or during a public exhibition such as a trade show booth
  • Items that will be used or displayed at a fair, exhibition or event
  • Objects of art for a public exhibit
  • Commercial samples
  • Scientific, medical and professional equipment
  • Equipment required to evaluate and test the operation of other goods and equipment
  • Tools and specialised equipment required for repairing, exploring, producing or manufacturing

Temporary admissions are expected to follow the points below. The goods:

  • are intended for a particular use
  • will remain unchanged other than from normal wear-and-tear
  • can be maintained and repaired so that they will function as expected

Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import

In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Belgium, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.

Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a Commercial Invoice (CI). More details below.


Option # Temporary Import Method Risk of paying Duties and taxes
1 Commercial Invoice Only High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2 Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet Very Low


1. Complete a Commercial Invoice Only


This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.

NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, Fedex, DHL), nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.


2. CI + an ATA Carnet

This option is great for items that frequently travel in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.

In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.

ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of this article. You can however, contact your local chamber of commerce and they will be able to guide you along. You can also find more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/


In addition to the 2 options listed above, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:

  • The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, allowing for normal wear and tear; maintenance and minor repairs are allowed under certain conditions
  • If an ATA Carnet is used, the goods may stay no longer than 1 year in Belgium

NOTE: If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.


Temporary Import Checklist
  • Commercial Invoice clearly stating "Temporary Import" including the return date. This must be written in the General Description section
  • Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)

Sources:
http://belgianchambers.be/en/zakendoen-in-het-buitenland/vragen-over-ata-carnets/
https://finance.belgium.be/sites/default/files/Customs/EN/PDF/Ondernemingen/Fiche8_authorisation-for-temporary-admission_ENG.pdf
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/specific-use_en
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/docs/body/guidance_special_procedures_en.pdf
https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/france/market-facts-faits-sur-le-marche/7685.aspx?lang=eng

Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports

Ship To Invoice
Mgr. Georges Lemaî tre
Catholic University of Louvain
Place de l'Université 1
1348 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve
Belgium


Phone: +31 10 47 21 11
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 box Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment

CA $1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Permanent Goods / Sold To an individual or business within AngolaPermanent/Sold Goods

Occasional Shipper

If you ship occasionally to Belgium (i.e. items you sold on eBay), there isn't too much you need to do. You will need to:

  • Include 3 copies of the Commercial Invoice with your shipment
  • Provide a detailed description of the goods on the Commercial Invoice (in order to avoid customs delays)

NOTE
An Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number is NOT needed if you are shipping as a private individual.

Regular Shipper

If you regularly sell and ship goods to Belgium, we recommend you consult a licensed customs broker in Belgium.

You may need to comply with certain requirements, such as obtaining an Obtaining an EORI number.


NOTE

  • Goods sold and shipped to Belgium will incur duty imports and VAT. The range of VAT tariffs can be found here.
  • If the products are alcoholic beverages or tobacco, then excise taxes will also be applied to them.

Sources:
https://www.avalara.com/vatlive/en/vat-rates/european-vat-rates.html
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/customs-procedures/general-overview/economic-operators-registration-identification-number-eori_en
https://www.stibbe.com/~/media/03%20news/publications/brussels/vatn1214_belgium.pdf
https://uk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com/4-597-7846?transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default)&firstPage=true&bhcp=1

Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods

Ship To Invoice
Mgr. Georges Lemaî tre
Catholic University of Louvain
Place de l'Université 1
1348 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve
Belgium


Phone: +31 10 47 21 11
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
15 Each Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.

CA $132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

IconRequired Documents

Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming. So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.

Document Type When? Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading Always required This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels). These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.

When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.

B13a Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands

Learn more about the B13a form here.
Certificate of Origin (COO) Infrequently required

Allows a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Belgium. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.

When an item with a COO is imported into Belgium, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI) Infrequently required

Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise, it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet Infrequently required

Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.

See Temporary import section

Prohibited & Restricted Imports


Belgium prohibits many items from being imported. A representative list is presented below.

Prohibited Items

  • Weapons, ammunition and explosives
  • Fake or imitation weapons
  • Illicit drugs such as cocaine, hashish, heroin
  • Cultural artefacts such as works of art and antiques
  • Counterfeit or pirated goods
  • Items made from protected animals

Restricted Items

Certain goods may be allowed to enter Belgium, but with restrictions, typically limits to quantity. See below for details.

  • Meat and dairy products may only enter with official veterinary papers
  • Infant food, including powdered milk up to 2 kg (providing they are shelf-stable, packaged, commercially prepared and unopened)
  • Fish, up to 20 kg
  • Caviar, up to 125 g
  • Honey, up to 2 kg
  • Live mussels, oysters and snails, up to 2 kg
  • Products made from crocodile leather, up to 4 pieces
  • Products made from reptile skins (handbags, belts, shoes, wallets) with an import licence issued from Belgian authorities

Sources:
https://finances.belgium.be/fr/douanes_accises/particuliers/colis/faq#q4
https://financienpr.belgium.be/sites/default/files/Customs/FR/Colis/PDF/2018-03-27-point%204.1-%20Contrefa%C3%A7on.pdf
https://finances.belgium.be/fr/douanes_accises/particuliers/voyager/faune-et-flore-prot%C3%A9g%C3%A9es#q4
https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/animalproducts/personal_imports_en
https://www.health.belgium.be/fr/animaux-et-vegetaux/animaux/detention-et-mouvements-danimaux/voyager-avec-des-animaux-de-compagnie#Voyager_depuis_un_pays_tiers_vers_la_Belgique
https://finances.belgium.be/fr/douanes_accises/particuliers/voyager/mouvements-dargent-liquide-cash#q1

Duty & Taxes

Import duties and taxes in Belgium are calculated based on the sum of the Customs Value, Insurance Amount, and Freight costs (shipping costs). This is known as CIF.

CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs

Using the CIF Value, you can predict how much duty & tax the recipient must pay to the Belgian government to receive their goods.


Thresholds

Some countries have a threshold below which duties and taxes are not charged. This is known as the de minimis value. For Belgium, the de miminis for duties is €150 CIF (about $225 CDN); there is no de minimis value for VAT.

NOTE: Alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and eau de toilette are always subject to VAT, duties, and excise taxes.

Currency Euro (EUR) - €
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) € 150
Duty Calculation Method CIF
TAX (VAT) 21% (Standard)
12% & 6% (Reduced)
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€0 - effective July 1st, 2021
Tax Calculation Method CIF

Duties on Imports

Since Canada signed a Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) with the EU, most duties on goods sold to Belgium are nil.

To take full advantage of the tariff rates provided under CETA, you will need to follow the rules of origin for your shipments. Refer to the Guide to the CETA Rules of Origin to help you through this process.



  • Candy0%
  • Chocolate0%
  • Spirits and WinesVaries*
  • TobaccoVaries*
  • Books0%
  • Documents0%
  • Video Games & Consoles0%
  • Computers & Laptops0%
  • Tablets0%
  • Mobiles0%
  • Cameras0%
  • Accessories for Electronics0%
  • Coats0%
  • Beauty Products & Cosmetics0%
  • Jewellery0%
  • Shirts & Pants0%
  • Home Appliances0%
  • Toys0%

*More information on duties and taxes for this item can be found here: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/resources/documents/taxation/excise_duties/alcoholic_beverages/rates/excise_duties-part_i_alcohol_en.pdf

Sources:
https://en.portal.santandertrade.com/international-shipments/belgium/customs-procedures
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2017/september/tradoc_156056.pdf
https://madb.europa.eu/madb/fta_canada_content.htm
http://taxsummaries.pwc.com/ID/Belgium-Corporate-Other-taxes
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/resources/documents/taxation/excise_duties/alcoholic_beverages/rates/excise_duties-part_i_alcohol_en.pdf
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/resources/documents/taxation/excise_duties/alcoholic_beverages/rates/excise_duties-part_i_alcohol_en.pdf

IconBelgium Shipping Insurance

You can purchase insurance through Secureship, and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.

Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment, our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.

Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn't meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.

Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:

  • Personal belongings
  • Antiques
  • Artwork
  • Liquids (including alcohol)
  • Televisions
  • Jewellery in excess of $500
  • Perishable goods
  • Glass or Ceramic
  • And many more items

For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.

Questions about Shipping to Belgium



Can I ship to Belgium?

Shipping to Belgium from Canada can take between 2-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2 months to complete the delivery.

Find out how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment delivered to Belgium by getting a quote now.


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